Grading the Patriots: Week 1 vs. Titans

The Patriots are 1-0 after dispatching the Titans, 34-13, at LP Field Sunday behind a balanced offensive attack and a strong defense. Here's a chance for you to grade every facet of the Patriots, from the passing game to the coaching crew.
Next

AP

<strong>Quarterback</strong>
Tom Brady: 21-for-31, 236 yards, 2 TDsBrady helped the Patriots to their ninth straight opening day victory with a turnover-free performance. Brady reached major milestones, reaching the 40,000 career passing yards plateau and surpassing John Elway in career touchdowns with 302.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524061.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524061/">Rate the performance of the quarterback</a></noscript>

Getty Images

<strong>Running backs</strong>
Stevan Ridley: 21 carries, 125 yards, TDIn his first 100-yard game, Ridley set a career high in rushing yards and carries. Ridley scored from the 1-yard line for his second NFL touchdown. Danny Woodhead had six carries for 20 yards and Brandon Bolden had five for 11.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524128.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524128/">Rate the performance of the running backs</a></noscript>
Next

AP

<strong>Receivers/TEs</strong>
Rob Gronkowski: 6 receptions, 60 yards, TDTight ends Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez turned in nearly identical performances, as Hernandez had 59 receiving yards and a touchdown grab. Brandon Lloyd led all receivers with 69 yards on five grabs. Wes Welker had just three receptions for 14 yards.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524139.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524139/">Rate the performance of the receivers/TEs</a></noscript>
Next

AP

<strong>Offensive line</strong>
The much-discussed offensive line exceeded expectations, opening big holes for Stevan Ridley. The line's success against the Titans allowed the Patriots to use a more balanced attack on offense, rushing 35 times and passing 31.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524144.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524144/">Rate the performance of the offensive line</a></noscript>
Next

AP

<strong>Defensive line</strong>
The line held the Titans to a mere 20 yards on 16 carries, including just four yards on 11 carries for Chris Johnson. The Patriots took a 14-3 lead when rookie defensive end Chandler Jones strip-sacked Jake Locker on the Titans' 7-yard line and Dont'a Hightower picked up the fumble and scored a touchdown. Vince Wilfork's lone tackle was for a loss.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524151.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524151/">Rate the performance of the defensive line</a></noscript>
Next

The Boston Globe

<strong>Linebackers</strong>
First-round pick Dont'a Hightower scored a touchdown on a fumble return early in the second quarter, giving the Patriots a 14-3 lead. Jerod Mayo led all tacklers with 13, while Hightower had five, including a tackle for a loss.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524161.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524161/">Rate the performance of the linebackers</a></noscript>
Next

AP

<strong>Secondary</strong>
The secondary allowed 264 yards in the air to Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck. Rookie safety Tavon Wilson picked off Locker and Devin McCourty led the secondary with seven tackles.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524159.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524159/">Rate the performance of the secondary</a></noscript>
Next

AP

<strong>Special teams</strong>
Patriots punter Zoltan Mesko and the special teams unit gave the Titans bad field position on 11 drives. Their best start came at their own 21-yard line. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit two field goals and all four extra point attempts. Devin McCourty also recorded his second career kickoff return.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524164.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524164/">Rate the performance of the special teams</a></noscript>
Next

Getty Images

<strong>Coaching</strong>
"We did a good job running the ball offensively . . . made some big plays, turned the ball over and had good field position, so it was a good team win," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "All three units contributed." Belichick is 10-3 on opening days as the Patriots head coach and he tied Chuck Knox for eighth place with his 193d career victory.
Next

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6524165.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6524165/">Rate the performance of the coaching</a></noscript>
Back to the beginning